Advice re: Megabus?

[madbrian]

Posted: 1/4/11 at 12:38pm

OK, so I'm going to Philadelphia in a couple of weeks, and I'm considering using Megabus for the first time. I live in north Jersey, so I'd be taking the bus from NYC. It seems silly not to, since the roundtrip cost is less than gas & tolls, not to mention overnight parking, but I thought I'd solicit info from anyone who has used Megabus before. My chief concern is comfort, which I'd probably overlook anyway since it's only a two hour ride. But I'm a big guy (6'3"), but I don't shop in the Big & Tall department because of my height. Any other info or advice is appreciated. Thanks.

[WOSQ]

Posted: 1/4/11 at 1:30pm

Buy your ticket early.

Get to the departure point early...
...so you can get your choice of seats. The best seats for tall folks (I am 6'1") are the front seats on the second level. However all the seats have more legroom than your ordinary bus.

On the other hand, barring unforeseen delays, the NYC-Phila trip is about 2:15 and won't cripple you for life.

But sit upstairs. It's more fun.

[broadwayjim42]

Posted: 1/4/11 at 2:54pm

I take the Albany to NYC run frequently (including this Thursday and Sunday) and other than some time issues, I've had no problems. On occasion, they've even gotten in early.

I agree with the buy early. They've restricted the advance reservations to 30 days out, so as soon as that window hits, search and book.

I always sit upstairs as well...and occasionally, depending on how crowded it is, go straight to the back and stretch out. Legroom is decent otherwise.

Check Yelp for more opinions, although a lot of them are negative. Route, drivers and weather can all cause different issues. My kids and I took the bus from Syracuse to Toronto last year and that whole thing was a nightmare.

[Mister Matt]

Posted: 1/4/11 at 4:34pm

You should look into Baitbus! From what I hear, they actually pay you for their service. I'm not sure how they make any money that way, but it might be worth a shot.

[dramamama611]

Posted: 1/5/11 at 6:03am

I can't speak to the legroom (I'm only 5'4") but I actually prefer downstairs. There are far fewer seats so it is nearly almost quiet.

I take Mega often (Boston/New York) and have only experienced an issue once.

[Bettyboy72]

Posted: 1/5/11 at 9:47am

Make sure you keep a boxcutter in your sock and never close your eyes.

[morosco]

Posted: 1/5/11 at 10:29am

Here's a good article in today's New York Times.
A Guide to Cheap Buses (Including How to Score $1 Tickets)

[broadwayjim42]

Posted: 1/5/11 at 11:12am

I checked the website and the advance purchase window is 35 days, not the 30 I mentioned before.

[dramamama611]

Posted: 1/6/11 at 4:30am

I've never felt unsafe because of the other patrons on the bus at any time. (I've also never taken the Philly line.)

[madbrian]

Posted: 1/6/11 at 8:08am

Thanks to all for the info. I went ahead and made my roundtrip reservation for $15. Looking forward to a couple of days in Pbiladelphia. Does anything happen there on a Monday or Tuesday night?

[SonofMammaMiaSam]

Posted: 1/6/11 at 8:58am

No, we shut down everything on both of those nights.
This might help. https://www.visitphilly.com/

[madbrian]

Posted: 1/6/11 at 9:28am

Thanks...I think I'll try to see the producation of The Glass Menagerie at the Walnut Street Theatre.

What the heck, as long as I'm soliciting all this advice: best way to get from 30th Street Station to Radisson Warwick Hotel at 17th & Chancellor? Is there a convenient bus/subway/trolley, or should I just take a taxi? I'll be travelling fairly light, just a small duffel and a laptop, and arriving around noon. Again, thanks.

[SonofMammaMiaSam]

Posted: 1/6/11 at 9:30am

Cab is the only way to go. I love the Radisson Warwick -- great choice! There are always people out in Rittenhouse Square.

[madbrian]

Posted: 1/6/11 at 1:30pm

Does Philadelphia have anything akin to TKTS?

[SonofMammaMiaSam]

Posted: 1/6/11 at 1:37pm

Sadly, no. But some theaters do offer reduced rates for specific performances. See attached.


http://www.theatermania.com/philadelphia/shows/ Updated On: 1/6/11 at 01:37 PM